Professional Packaging Solutions: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything manufacturers, shippers, and e-commerce brands need to know—answered by the experts at F.J. Smith Sales Co.

1. What defines a “professional” packaging solution?

A professional packaging solution combines reliable equipment, compatible consumables, and expert support to create a seamless workflow for marking, coding, labeling, sealing, and shipping. It should:

Deliver consistent output at your required volume and speed.
Integrate easily with upstream and downstream processes.
Meet industry regulations (FDA, USDA, OSHA, etc.).
Minimize downtime, waste, and total cost of ownership.

2. How do I determine which packaging machinery I actually need?

Start with three core questions:

What’s my production volume and growth forecast?
Which substrates am I handling (corrugated, film, metal, glass, etc.)?
What regulatory or branding requirements apply?

A professional supplier—such as F.J. Smith, the official Marsh/MSSC distributor—performs an on-site audit, mapping your line from filling to palletizing, then recommends right-sized equipment (e.g., a case sealer, inkjet coder, or print-and-apply labeler) that can scale as you grow.

3. Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ), or Drop-on-Demand (DOD): which coder is best?

Technology	Best For	Key Advantages
CIJ	High-speed food, beverage, pharma lines	Non-contact, versatile inks, micro-character printing
TIJ (e.g., MSSC Smart-Jet®)	Small-batch, clean rooms, frequent changeovers	Cartridge-based, zero mess, quick swap, high DPI
DOD Large-Character	Outer case, pallet marking	1″+ print height, rugged inks, low cost per mark

Your choice depends on speed, character size, ink type, and budget. F.J. Smith stocks all three technologies and can demo them on your products.

4. Are water-activated tape (WAT) dispensers worth the switch from pressure-sensitive tape?

Yes—when durability, tamper evidence, and sustainability matter. WAT bonds to corrugated fibers, forming a single-strip seal that resists pilferage and extreme temperatures. Electric WAT dispensers (like the Better Pack® 500) achieve up to 45 in/s and cut tape costs 15 – 30 % compared to plastic tapes by eliminating double or “H” taping.

5. How often should packaging equipment be serviced?

Preventive maintenance schedules vary:

Inkjet coders: Daily nozzle wipes and monthly PM checks
Automatic case sealers: Blade inspection every 50 k cycles; belt tension check quarterly
Label applicators: Clean sensor lenses weekly; change drive rollers annually

F.J. Smith offers service agreements and in-stock OEM parts to keep West Coast lines running with minimal downtime.

6. What are specialty inks, and when do I need them?

Specialty inks include:

Fast-dry solvent inks for non-porous plastics and glass
UV-readable or security inks for anti-counterfeiting
Extended-temperature inks for freezer or retort conditions
Food-grade compositions for direct food contact

Choosing the correct formulation ensures legible, compliant marks that survive real-world handling.

7. How can I reduce my packaging carbon footprint?

Switch to water-activated tape (paper-based, curb-side recyclable).
Adopt right-size case erectors to cut void fill.
Use low-VOC, high-yield inks (e.g., MSSC solvent-based TIJ cartridges).
Upgrade to energy-efficient motors on sealers and conveyors.

F.J. Smith’s experts can run an ROI analysis showing cost savings and emission reductions.

8. We’re moving to e-commerce direct shipping—what packaging upgrades should we prioritize?

Print-and-apply labelers tied to your WMS for real-time order data.
High-speed case sealers (side-belt or top-belt) to handle diverse carton sizes.
Dynamic weight/scan stations to verify order accuracy.
Smart barcode or QR coders for returns and track-and-trace.

9. Can one printer handle both cans and corrugated cases?

MSSC’s Smart-Jet® Duo family makes this possible with interchangeable printheads and ink sets:

Duo Reach for can bottom coding (long throw)
Duo Max for 1″ case coding
Program both through one wireless controller.

10. What training is provided with new equipment?

Professional distributors offer:

On-site installation & operator training (safety, setup, cleaning)
Video tutorials and manuals for refreshers
Remote tech support for software or message-design questions
F.J. Smith includes first-year phone support and discounted refresher visits.

11. How quickly can replacement parts or consumables be delivered in California?

With warehousing in Los Angeles and partners throughout the state, F.J. Smith fulfills most ink, tape, or spare-part orders next business day—often same day for high-priority downtime calls.

12. What’s the typical ROI on upgrading legacy packaging lines?

Savings come from:

Reduced labor (auto sealers vs. hand taping)
Lower consumables (single-strip WAT vs. double plastic tape)
Fewer mis-codes/rework (modern CIJ vs. manual stamps)
Increased throughput (high-speed labelers vs. desktop printers)

ROI periods range 6-18 months, depending on volume and automation level.

Ready to Optimize Your Packaging Line?

From craft beverage coding to high-volume e-commerce fulfillment, F.J. Smith Sales Co. has the equipment, consumables, and century-strong expertise to elevate every step of your packaging process. As California’s official Marsh/MSSC distributor, we offer:

Live demos & line audits
Competitive purchase, rental, or lease plans
Local inventory and factory-trained technicians

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how professional packaging solutions can boost your efficiency, compliance, and bottom line.

FJ Smith Co

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